You Won't Believe What Happens When Runners Eat Pasta the Night Before Their Big Race!

The vibrant community of McKinleyville is gearing up for a weekend of events that showcase local culture, support, and engagement. Dows Prairie Grange No. 505 is hosting a pasta feed this Friday, February 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to celebrate the upcoming Trinidad to Clam Beach Run, which kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Saunders Park in Trinidad.

For just $15 per person, attendees can indulge in a delicious meal featuring their choice of pasta and sauce, complemented by a side salad, garlic bread, and a hot beverage. Dessert and soda will be available for an additional cost. Doors will open at 5 p.m., providing a cozy atmosphere for diners who wish to enjoy their meal with fellow community members or opt for take-out.

As part of the evening’s festivities, the Grange will also offer tickets for Valentine raffle baskets, with proceeds going towards building improvements and maintenance at the Grange. Additionally, diners can purchase organic Restoration Coffee, enhancing the evening’s local flair. A call to action for community involvement will also be highlighted, as the Grange is collecting non-perishable food items to support the crisis pantry at McKinleyville High School. Items such as pop-top fruit, peanut butter, tuna, granola bars, and canned vegetables are especially welcomed and can be dropped off during the dinner.

In Arcata, the Humboldt Folk Dancers will host an International Folk Dance Party on Friday from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at the Redwood Raks World Dance Studio, located at 824 L St. This event promises an evening of easy dances and lively international music courtesy of the band Chubritza. With a sliding scale entry fee of $5 to $10, no one will be turned away for lack of funds, making this event accessible for all ages and dance skill levels.

Saturday also brings opportunities for nature enthusiasts. The Redwood Region Audubon Society will conduct a free guided field trip at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and meet trip leader Michael Morris at the end of South I Street (Klopp Lake) to explore the diverse birdlife and stunning views of Humboldt Bay. Later in the day, at 2 p.m., Friends of the Arcata Marsh will lead another free tour of the marsh, focusing on lichens, beginning at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center.

On Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., the American Association of University Women-Humboldt will meet at the Wharfinger Building, No. 1 Marina Way, Eureka. Attendees can look forward to a presentation by fisheries oceanographer Eric Bjorkstadt from Cal Poly Humboldt, entitled “An Overview and Forward Look at Marine Science on the North Coast.” A light brunch will be available for $14, or admission with coffee/tea for $8. Reservations can be made by calling Chris Stenlund at 707-407-5212.

Additionally, the Black Humboldt “Speaker Series” will take place Saturday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Clarke Historical Museum, located at 240 E St., Eureka. This free community event aims to foster dialogue and understanding among attendees.

On Sunday, two more events will attract nature lovers. A free guided birding tour at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., led by Ralph Bucher, who will meet participants at the Visitor Center. A two-mile walk along a flat, gravel trail will offer remarkable views of the region's diverse habitats and wildlife. Interested individuals should email Ralph at [email protected] to sign up.

For cycling enthusiasts, Friends of the Arcata Marsh member Andy Feinstein will lead his monthly “Second Sunday Cycling Tour” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, focusing on the “Three Ws of the Marsh”: wetlands, wildlife, and wastewater treatment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bike or e-Bike and wear helmets. A free FOAM logo bike bell will be provided to all participants, with the event subject to cancellation in case of heavy rain.

Art lovers should not miss the Natural History Museum of Cal Poly Humboldt, which is hosting a scientific illustration night on February 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to draw from the museum's specimen collection, with art materials provided. Reservations can be made by calling 707-826-4480 or visiting humboldt.edu/natmus. The fee is $3 for museum members and $6 for non-members.

Genealogy enthusiasts can gather at Locha’s Restaurant, 751 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna, on February 11 at 11:30 a.m. for the Redwood Genealogical Society’s “Speaker Luncheon.” Dona Moxon, president of the Humboldt Pioneers Society in Eureka, will present “The Moxon Family in Humboldt,” detailing the history of this long-standing ranching family. An optional lunch featuring two tacos, chips, and a beverage will be available for $15, tax included.

Lastly, a “Community Grief Circle” will take place on February 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 24 Fellowship Way, Bayside. This gathering, led by Maggie McKnight and Amy Day, will offer a supportive space for those navigating personal or collective grief. Drawing on Francis Weller’s “Gates of Grief,” participants will explore the theme “All That We Love We Will Lose.” A suggested donation of $10 to $20 is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

These events reflect the rich tapestry of community life in Humboldt County, where local organizations and residents come together to celebrate, educate, and support one another. For more details on any of the events, individuals can reach out to the respective organizations or venues involved.